Hear humpback whale sounds with a marine naturalist from December through March
2.5-3 Hours
Cold beverages, onboard naturalist
Explore Hawaiian waters during humpback season, from December through March. Listen for whale sounds through underwater hydrophones as a marine naturalist shares insight on local marine life.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for groups of up to 10, or 48 hours for groups of 10 or more. Cancellations within these timeframes may be charged up to 100% of the fare. A 6% cancellation fee per person applies.
Whale watching in Kona is year-round. From December to March, 2.5–3 hour humpback-focused tours reveal surface-active whales, mom-and-calf pairs, and large gatherings. For the rest of the year, 3–4 hour tours explore Kona’s deep ocean for pelagic whales, dolphins, and coastal wildlife. No two tours are the same.
Wildlife sightings are guaranteed on dolphin and whale watch tours.
South Central Side of Honokohau Harbor
Crew members like Amy, Olivia, Dennis, and Andrew come up repeatedly in these reviews, and it's clear they're a big reason people leave so happy. Guests consistently highlight how knowledgeable and passionate the naturalists are, with multiple biologists often on board to share insights about marine mammals. The boat, the Artemis, is described as spacious, clean, and well-maintained, which adds to the overall comfort of the experience. Wildlife sightings here tend to be genuinely impressive. Humpback whales are the main draw, but reviewers frequently mention surprise encounters with multiple dolphin species, monk seals, sharks, and pilot whales. The crew's willingness to extend the trip when something special is happening shows they prioritize the experience over the clock. One thing worth knowing: peak season runs roughly January through March, and a few guests who went later in April found whale activity winding down. That said, the crew worked hard even in off-peak weeks and still delivered memorable sightings.
Incredible from start to finish! Andrew, Olivia, and Falkor were the best crew! Falkor was such a fun addition to the trip! We saw pilot whales, a shark, and many spinner dolphins. It was such a special trip and we were delighted. The boat is very nice and extremely clean and comfortable!
Amanda Heller
June 19, 2026
Incredible from start to finish! Andrew, Olivia, and Falkor were the best crew! Falkor was such a fun addition to the trip! We saw pilot whales, a shark, and many spinner dolphins. It was such a special trip and we were delighted. The boat is very nice and extremely clean and comfortable!
Amanda Heller
June 19, 2026
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